Judge Rules Trump-Appointed Nevada Prosecutor Cannot Supervise Criminal Cases

LAS VEGAS — A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that Sigal Chattah, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Nevada, cannot oversee several criminal cases because she is not validly serving in that role. U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell disqualified her from managing four prosecutions, stating that her authority expired in July.

The judge sided with defense attorneys who argued that Chattah’s continued appointment violated federal law. Campbell directed the attorneys involved in these cases to inform the court within seven days that Chattah is not overseeing their work, though he did not dismiss the indictments against the defendants.

This ruling marks the second recent setback for the Trump administration in its efforts to retain control over U.S. attorney positions beyond the 120-day limit established by federal law. In August, another judge ruled against the acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey, Alina Habba, citing improper legal maneuvers by the administration.

According to federal law, if a U.S. attorney is not nominated and confirmed within 120 days, federal district court judges can appoint an interim attorney until the position is filled. Campbell emphasized that Chattah’s appointment as acting U.S. attorney did not comply with these regulations.

The ruling has drawn attention to the administration’s strategy of making temporary appointments to circumvent the Senate confirmation process, which typically requires bipartisan support.

Chattah’s controversial appointment faced opposition from Nevada’s Democratic senators, Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen. Judge Campbell noted that her continued service as acting U.S. attorney was unlawful.

In his decision, Campbell suggested three options for proceeding: a new temporary appointment by the president, selection of an interim attorney by the existing judges on Nevada’s federal bench, or a full-time nomination by the president with Senate confirmation.

Chattah did not immediately comment on the ruling. The case arises amid ongoing scrutiny of how partisan interests have influenced federal prosecutions. Chattah’s actions, including a controversial investigation into alleged voter fraud, have raised concerns among critics.

While the judge’s ruling does not dismiss the indictments entirely, it disqualifies Chattah from involvement in overseeing these high-profile cases, limiting her power significantly.